Tension flared at the National Assembly on Wednesday after officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) walked out on the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies during a heated budget review session.
The lawmakers were scrutinizing JAMB’s 2023–2025 financial records, including payments made to the Consolidated Revenue Fund, when drama unfolded.
According to Committee Chairman Hon. Obuku Oforji, JAMB had ignored three invitations — sent on October 6, 17, and 23 — demanding relevant financial documents and the personal appearance of Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.
Instead, Oloyede sent Mufutau Bello, a director, to represent him. Bello later asked journalists to leave the session, citing “sensitive information” in the documents he planned to present — a request the lawmakers firmly rejected, insisting the proceedings must remain public.
In protest, Bello led his team out of the meeting, prompting outrage from committee members.
“We wrote three letters to the registrar. Instead of appearing, he sent a representative who accused us of trying to embarrass JAMB. That’s very unfortunate,” Oforji said, describing the walkout as “unacceptable and disrespectful.”
Committee member Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante blasted JAMB’s action, saying it showed “disrespect for Nigerians.”
“Oversight is not a favour; it’s a constitutional duty. We’ve heard stories of snakes swallowing money — maybe this time, it’s something bigger,” he quipped.
Another member, Hon. Rodney Amboiowei, emphasized that no government agency can dictate how parliament operates, insisting that “Nigerians deserve to know how their money is spent.”
The committee has adjourned the session to next Tuesday, directing Prof. Oloyede to appear in person. Oforji warned that failure to comply could lead to an arrest warrant under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution.
Post a Comment